When the warm scent of chocolate fills the kitchen, my heart skips a beat. It’s a universal language that everyone understands, but adding the sweet, tangy touch of fresh strawberries takes it to a whole new level. This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is my go-to dessert when I want to impress without the stress. With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve that show-stopping look without spending hours in the kitchen.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy afternoon, and now, each time I whip it up, I’m reminded of the joyous council of flavor it brings. Imagine moist layers of rich chocolate cake hugging luscious strawberry filling, all intricately cloaked in glossy chocolate ganache. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of home, love, and everything sweet. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this cake has that crowd-pleasing charm you’ll want to indulge in time and again. Let’s dive into this decadent and easy dessert that proves sweetness can always be made from the heart!
Strawberry Chocolate Cake: Why Is It Special?
Decadent, this cake marries rich chocolate and fresh strawberries for a truly indulgent experience. Easy to make, with straightforward steps, anyone can achieve baking success. Versatile variations like cupcakes or sheet cake ensure there’s a version for every occasion. Crowd-pleaser, it delights both guests and family alike. Also, consider preparing the ganache and filling in advance for a stress-free baking experience—perfect for busy evenings! The delightful balance of flavors and textures will make you fall in love with this recipe again and again.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-purpose Flour – Provides structure for the cake; substitute with gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the rich chocolate and strawberries.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Infuses the cake with deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder – Serves as a leavening agent to help the cake rise perfectly.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- Eggs – Contributes moisture and structure; flank eggs work for a vegan adaptation.
- Milk – Adds richness; switch to almond or oat milk for a non-dairy option.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; melted butter can be used for additional flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Amplifies the overall flavor; definitely recommended for a warming touch.
- Hot Coffee or Water – Deepens the chocolate flavor remarkably.
For the Strawberry Filling
- Strawberries – Fresh fruit adds a burst of flavor; use thawed and drained frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available.
- Sugar (for filling) – Sweetens the strawberry filling wonderfully.
- Cornstarch – Thicken the filling to achieve the desired consistency.
For the Ganache
- Dark Chocolate – Provides a rich frosting; consider white chocolate for a sweeter alternative.
- Heavy Cream – Gives the ganache a smooth texture and creamy finish.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is crafted to bring joy, satisfaction, and a lovely balance of flavors to any occasion. Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the perfect baking temperature for your cake, creating that lovely, moist texture.
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Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended. Then, add the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot coffee or water. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing for a lighter cake!
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Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
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Make the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool to a spreadable consistency.
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Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or platter. Spread a layer of the cooled strawberry filling on top, followed by a layer of chocolate ganache. Repeat with the second layer and top the cake with remaining ganache, smoothing it over the sides.
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Decorate & Serve: For an elegant touch, garnish the top of your cake with fresh strawberries. Slice, serve, and watch faces light up with delight!
Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Chocolate Cake options are perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Simply bake the layers, let them cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The strawberry filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance; store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and flavorful. The ganache can also be prepared ahead and stored at room temperature, allowing it to reach a spreadable consistency before assembling the cake. When you’re ready to serve, layer the cooled cake with the strawberry filling and ganache, and garnish with fresh strawberries for that wow factor—all without the stress!
Strawberry Chocolate Cake Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that let your creativity shine while keeping that beloved strawberry-chocolate harmony!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate for a completely non-dairy delight. This will provide the creaminess you crave, while keeping it friendly for those avoiding dairy.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. You’ll still enjoy a fluffy texture, making it a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake: Layer melted chocolate between the cake layers for an extra chocolaty kick. This adds a rich, velvety touch that enhances each slice, making it even more indulgent.
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Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes: Turn the cake into charming cupcakes and top them with whipped ganache for a personal touch. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties and gatherings, easy to grab, and full of flavor!
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Layered Sheet Cake: Bake the batter in a sheet pan for a rustic look. Just pour, bake, and frost—ideal for potlucks or family gatherings where serving slices is a breeze.
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Spicy Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy twist. This unexpected hint of heat can elevate the chocolate flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the sweet strawberries.
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White Chocolate Ganache: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate in the ganache for a sweeter frosting option. This lightens the flavor profile and enhances the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
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Lemon Zest Addition: Stir in lemon zest into the batter for a fresh citrus zing that complements the strawberries. The tangy brightness will create a refreshing balance, perfect for warm-weather celebrations.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense Strawberry Chocolate Cake.
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Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool fully before frosting to prevent the ganache from melting and slipping off.
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Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a splash of strawberry extract to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
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Use Hot Liquid: Incorporate hot coffee or water in the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor—it’s a game changer!
What to Serve with Strawberry Chocolate Cake?
Elevate your dessert experience and create a lovely spread with these delightful pairings.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture, enhancing the cake’s rich flavors while offering a light contrast.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing melts beautifully against the warm ganache, providing a creamy, cold contrast that complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
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Fresh Berries: An assortment of fresh berries adds a burst of color and a tangy flavor that harmonizes beautifully with both chocolate and strawberries, brightening up each bite.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling extra chocolate sauce amplifies the indulgence of the cake, inviting those who savor rich chocolate to enjoy another layer of dessert delight.
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Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness and brings out the deep chocolate notes, creating a balanced experience that’s perfect for any dessert table.
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Mint Leaves: Fresh mint sprigs not only elevate presentation but also lend a refreshing touch, providing a palate-cleansing finish to each rich mouthful.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These elegant treats echo the flavors of the cake while adding a chic, gourmet touch to your dessert spread, perfect for impressing guests.
With these thoughtful accompaniments, your layered Strawberry Chocolate Cake will truly shine as the centerpiece of your gathering!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Chocolate Cake
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Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cake layers at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place, covered tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
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Fridge: Keep the completed Strawberry Chocolate Cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
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Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
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Reheating: If the cake has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a soft, cozy treat!
Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for the cake?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are rich red in color, firm to the touch, and evenly shaped. Avoid berries with white spots or dark spots all over, as these could be overripe or spoiled. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
How should I store my Strawberry Chocolate Cake?
To keep your delicious cake fresh, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to store unfrosted cake layers, you can wrap them tightly in plastic and keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days or in the fridge for a bit longer. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to maintain their moisture.
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Can I freeze leftover Strawberry Chocolate Cake?
Very! To freeze, wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the layers overnight in the fridge. For frosted cakes, I recommend consuming them fresh, but if you must freeze, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set the ganache, then wrap well and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If you find your cake is denser than expected, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. To avoid this, always mix the batter until just combined and ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature. If you accidentally overmixed, try serving the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the textures!
Are there any allergies to consider with this recipe?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Chocolate Cake recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. For those with egg allergies, consider using flax eggs as a substitute. To make it gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Always double-check that any additional ingredients like chocolate are also gluten-free or nut-free if necessary, especially if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake: Easy Recipe for Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended. Then, add the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot coffee or water. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Allow it to cool to a spreadable consistency.
- Place one layer of cake on a stand or platter. Spread a layer of the cooled strawberry filling on top, followed by a layer of chocolate ganache. Repeat with the second layer and top with remaining ganache.
- For an elegant touch, garnish the top with fresh strawberries. Slice, serve, and enjoy!